Scottish businesses invited to take part in offshore windfarm programme

Businesses in the North East of Scotland aiming to enter the expanding offshore renewable sector can apply to the Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) Programme, run by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, from today (Monday).

F4OR is entering its third round of support in the region and is set to transform 20 companies through the programme, after receiving a further £250,000 from the Energy Transition Zone Ltd (ETZ Ltd) following their successful application to the Scottish Government’s North East and Moray Just Transition Fund.

F4OR is a key part of ETZ Ltd’s two-phase support initiative alongside a challenge fund that will deliver capital investment grants to help North East Scotland energy supply chain companies acheive their low carbon business ambitions. ETZ Ltd supported the second round of F4OR in 2022.

Andrew Stormonth-Darling, F4OR programme manager at ORE Catapult, said: “With the allocation of this follow-on funding, I am very pleased to see ETZ Ltd endorse the the programme in this way and recognise the impact we are having on these regional businesses.

“The launch of this new cohort will mean we have supported over 60 companies in North East Scotland, where we are proud to aid many in their cross-sector transition, support the local energy supply chain and fuel the growth in offshore renewables.”

In previous rounds, F4OR supported Three60 Energy, an independent energy service company, by broadening their network of likeminded businesses, ultimately leading to a long-term partnership with market leaders Dron & Dickson Ltd.

Optimus Aberdeen, a specialist engineering and consultancy company, also took part in the F4OR programme which robustly tested the businesses’ existing procedures and practices, and supported them in taking a more targeted approach.

The latest round of the F4OR NE Scotland programme will be available to established companies in the Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray areas that are focused on moving into the offshore renewables market. The F4OR programme aligns with ETZ Ltd’s overall ambition to create a world class energy supply chain.

David Wilson, director of Energy at ETZ Ltd, said: “Fit For Offshore Renewables has firmly established itself as a market leading programme providing companies with the skills, insights and expertise needed to capitalise on the vast energy transition opportunities before us.

“ETZ Ltd has a pivotal role to play in spearheading North East Scotland’s energy transition ambition and the latest cohort will ensure an additional 20 businesses across the region are supported by this vital programme. This aligns closely with our key focus on accelerating the growth of a dedicated and world-class offshore renewables supply chain and we are delighted to offer our continued support.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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